It's been four years since I began high school. I have been through some crazy events and I wouldn't have any memories if I wasn't here with my friends. Friends make a high school experience the best no matter what anyone says. (P.S. You're supposed to be yourself, DON'T change for anyone.)

Attleboro High School is a building with leaking ceilings, broken tiles and a pit that isn't even a pit. When people think of AHS they think ghetto. I have even heard people in Bridgewater say, "If you throw some windows on it, it's a jail!" But please remember that regardless of what a school looks like, it's the people and the community it surrounds that make it a great school.

When I was in eighth grade, I had choices: all private Catholic schools with a high price tag. But what's the point of paying to go to high school with people I wouldn't know, when I can attend a public school with an awesome journalism program where all my friends would be?

It was obvious. AHS is where I wanted to go and where I felt the most comfortable. Public schools are not horrible schools, I don't care what anyone says. And if someone goes to a private school and thinks they're better than you, they are wrong. No one is better than the best you can be, remember that.

Our school is huge! There are so many buildings and long hallways that freshmen can definitely get lost. FYI, there is no pool on the fourth floor. There is NO fourth floor. The first day of freshman year is always the wildest. You're completely confused and scared of anything and everyone you pass, but don't be.

Most of the people at AHS are cool and will help you through the halls, just don't be one of those people who walk on the left side of the hallway.

The hallway is just like a road. Now I know when you're a freshman you're only 14 and you don't drive yet, but you have been in cars and here in the U.S. we drive on the right side ALWAYS!!

So when walking in the halls, stay to the right. Oh, and when you see your friends and you think you're going to stop and chat, think again, because upperclassmen will knock you into the lockers if you're in their way. Passing time is only five minutes, and some people have to rush or run to class as it is.

After the first day, you should know your way around the school a little better. I'm not saying you will know everything because freshmen are far from achieving that, but you should at least know to avoid stopping in the halls.

Most of the freshmen act the same, though some do mature faster than others. If you are a freshman girl and mature, I guarantee that upperclassmen will invite you to one party, at least, same as for guys.

Age doesn't matter, it's how you act. And yes, looks have a lot to do with dating in high school. Girls beware. Make them want to know who you are as a person.

Getting into tiffs and fights helps younger people grow up and mature, and by the time senior year rolls around MOST of the high school drama is over or almost over.

Girls, girls and girls! All girls do is start stuff about each other. I know they have nothing else better to do. One day someone is your best friend, then the next day "She said this," or "She likes my boyfriend?" I have no idea how many times I heard those phrases.

During freshman year, if you hear a girl talking stuff about someone else, do yourself a favor and don't even bother with her; she is just going to bring problems for you later on. Parties, drugs and alcohol who hasn't heard of that stuff? Drugs, prescribed or street, are a bad idea. When you're thinking about going to a Pit Party or a party that older people you have never heard of are having, be careful, please. You don't know what's going on or what could happen. Be aware of who you hang out with; hanging out with the wrong crowd is asking to ruin your life.

By the way, school spirit is one of the best ideas. If you don't get involved in your school that's your own problem, but I'm not kidding when I say you will regret not having school spirit. So with that said, play Powder Puff Football, go to Homecoming (it's the best dance aside from the proms), and check out the best of all, the spirit rally in the fall. That is probably one of the most memorable moments I have.

At the basketball games there are crazy fans. When going to the first game against Feehan you will understand what I am talking about. I'm going to miss the crazy "pounds" at the basketball games (08' best pound ever).

Athletes are awesome. I'm not just saying that because I am one, I am just saying they are awesome. When you participate in school activities, students have less time to sit around and start trouble; better yet they have no time but school and sports so it's impossible to worry about high school drama. In Attleboro, sports is the best way besides academics to get out if you don't want to spend the rest of your life saying, "Would you like fries with that?"

I'm not saying that if you don't play sports you will end up at Mickey D's, but I am saying that sports can help you stay in school and help further your education. Athletes learn a sense of responsibility and leadership that other students in the school never experience. Sports help you make smarter decisions and stay out of trouble.

Trouble, that's a word most people in the surrounding community think of when they hear Attleboro High. Attleboro is very well known for having problems with other schools, but what school doesn't have problems?

The administration is trying their hardest to provide a safe environment in the school and at sporting events. Our faculty is there for our benefit, whether we want to admit it or not. Teachers are on your side and will protect you, that is part of their job.

By the end of the first week of school, everyone has seen at least one fight. If you haven't, then you're probably oblivious or our peer mediation program is finally working.

Peer mediation? Does it really exist? Yes, it does and yes, I am a senior Peer Mediator. Peer mediation is one of the best ways to solve stupid, immature problems and help a lot of people grow up. Contact Kathy Crawford or Sue Sherck anytime, any day, in the Unified Student Department above the library.

As the years at AHS go by, most of what I'm talking about will make sense. This can be the best experience of your life or the worst. It's what you make of it and how you act during it. Students have many paths they can choose to go down, but that doesn't mean only one must be chosen.

Becoming who you are has a lot to do with the people you surround yourself with and the impression you give to others. Be yourself, that's the best advice anyone could give or take; trying to be like one of the Spice Girls or Michael Jackson is not a smart idea.

This is me, a smart senior, offering my advice to underclassmen and my opinions of my high school. I graduate as captain of the girl's basketball team and a senior editor on the school newspaper. I have achieved a lot in my years at Attleboro and I have enjoyed every bit of it.

I'll be walking to the podium on June 8 to begin my new life at the bottom of the totem pole - a freshman in college. I promise if you believe in yourself, you will go far in life. Graduating from AHS is the first step to a life full of happiness.